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A HAVERHILL policeman who feared for his life after being dragged by a car along a road has attacked the sentence passed down by the courts.

PC Kevin Rolt who was off work for six weeks and still suffers with flashbacks of the incident said last night that the sentence given to Ali Tek did not take in to account the injuries he suffered. He also fears that it may put many people off joining the force.

The Court heard how PC Rolt, 36 was dragged along the road after stopping Tek, in September last year, in a layby at Hoarseheath

He said: "Irrespective of whether I was a serving police officer or not, my opinion is that the sentence is not long enough considering the offence he was found guilty of. I could easily have been killed.

He went on to say that: "he showed a complete disregard for my welfare.

"It does not bode well for future recruitment if people read stories like these and see how police officers are supported by the courts."

The court heard how PC Rolt became suspicious after Tek claimed the car belonged to a friend. When he reached in to take the keys, Tek drove off, along with the officer's arm.

Pc Rolt eventually freed himself and fell to the road. He was taken to hospital with injuries to his arms and body.

Ali Tek who is a 35-year-old market trader from Hemel Hempstead, in Hertfordshire, admitted charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm, attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving, on Tuesday.

The length of his sentence was reduced by the Judge, Philip Curl because Tek’s partner was expecting a baby. The Judge went on to point out that because he had served part of the sentence whilst on remand that he was “likely to be released shortly after your child is born."

Tek's partner, 20-year-old Leanne Smith who was also in the car at the time of the incident, was given an 18-month conditional discharge.